Northern Tree Services🌳🌴🌲
Ray personally guides customers through council approvals and multi-stage stump removals that other operators don't offer.
The business has a track record of returning to finish multi-stage jobs (stump poisoning, follow-up grinding) without customers having to chase, which sets it apart from tradies who disappear after the main cut. Ray's council permit knowledge is a practical differentiator worth noting: at least one reviewer spent five years failing to get a significant tree approved through other channels, then had it resolved and removed within two months after engaging him. When requesting a quote, ask Ray directly about council requirements for your property — that conversation early on can save significant time.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of Google reviews (66 total)
“cleaned up thoroughly afterwards and poisoned the remaining stumps”
“Fairly priced for the work and risk”
“Have used NTS for years and always get a great job”
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 295 tree servicess in Gawler
Credentials & background
Sourced from 4 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Northern Tree Services🌳🌴🌲
Ray leads Northern Tree Services with a hands-on approach that goes well beyond simply dropping trees — repeat customers highlight his willingness to navigate council approval processes, guiding homeowners through what can be a years-long bureaucratic ordeal before a single cut is made. The crew consistently handles tight-space removals, including trees growing close to structures, fences, and gardens, without collateral damage to surrounding property. Stump work is a particular strength: rather than a one-visit grind-and-go, Ray's team returns multiple times to poison and then fully extract stumps, with one customer noting the stump vanished in 15 minutes once properly prepared. James and Nathan are mentioned alongside Ray on crew days, keeping jobs efficient on larger multi-tree clearances involving palms, eucalypts, spotted gums, and yuccas. The business suits residential homeowners in the northern Adelaide suburbs who want a single point of contact — Ray handles quoting, communication, and follow-through — rather than a larger outfit where you deal with a different person every step.
Best for: residential tree removals requiring tight-space precision near structures, multi-stage stump treatment where full extraction is the goal, and homeowners needing guidance on council approval for significant trees.
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Northern Tree Services🌳🌴🌲
What types of trees does Northern Tree Services specialise in removing?+
Reviews mention a wide range of species handled successfully, including spotted gums, eucalypts, palms, yuccas, lilly pillies, and Chinese elms. The team has completed single-tree jobs and larger clearances of up to 11 palms at once. Tight-space removals — trees growing close to houses, sheds, and established gardens — are specifically praised for causing no collateral damage. If you have an unusual species or a complex access situation, it's worth describing it when you call for a quote.
Does Ray help with council approval for significant tree removal?+
Yes — this is one of the more distinctive things customers mention. At least one reviewer spent five years trying to get a significant tree approved through other services before Ray pointed them in the right direction, resulting in council approval and the tree removed within two months. Ray can advise on the process, though formal arborist reports may involve third-party contacts he can connect you with. Bring this up at the quoting stage so he can flag any likely requirements for your property.
What does Northern Tree Services charge, and is pricing transparent?+
Multiple reviewers describe pricing as reasonable and good value for the scope of work, including jobs with difficult access or significant risk. No reviewers mention unexpected charges or quotes that differed from final invoices. The business operates as a sole trader with Ray handling quotes personally, so what he quotes is typically what you pay. For an accurate figure, you'll need an on-site quote — pricing varies depending on tree size, species, access, and whether stump removal is included.
Does the team clean up after the job?+
Cleanup is consistently highlighted across reviews — mulching, debris removal, and leaving the property tidy are standard rather than optional extras. For stump jobs, the team has been noted returning multiple times: first to poison the stump over weeks or months, then to extract it fully once it's ready. One reviewer noted the final stump extraction took just 15 minutes after proper preparation. If you want specific debris disposal (e.g. keeping mulch or having it taken away), confirm that preference when booking.
Does Northern Tree Services take on repeat or ongoing work?+
Yes — a notable share of reviewers mention using NTS on two or more separate occasions, and several describe family members also becoming customers. Ray handles residential maintenance work like pruning and trimming as well as full removals, so there's no need to source a different contractor for follow-up jobs. Customers who've used the business across several years consistently report the same experience, which suggests the quality doesn't drop once you're not a new customer.